The Golden Eagles enter with uncertainty at quarterback
Southern Miss and South Alabama meet on Saturday in a matchup between two teams looking to close the regular season on a high note. The Golden Eagles enter with uncertainty at quarterback, while the Jaguars look to build momentum after a win over ULM.
Southern Miss
Southern Miss is coming off of a blowout loss to Texas State. Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles remain first in the west and control their own destiny.
The Golden Eagles are not sure who will be leading them out of the tunnel. Star quarterback Braylon Braxton did not play last game and is listed as questionable. Braxton has passed for 2,187 yards and 19 touchdowns so far this year, and has also been a threat with his legs.
If it’s not Braxton, Landry Lyddy will likely be starting at quarterback. Last week, Lyddy went 29-for-44 for 267 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his only start of the season.
In the backfield, Jeffery Pittman will line up beside whoever the quarterback is. Pittman has rushed for 548 yards and seven touchdowns so far this season. Fellow running back Matt Jones should also be a factor, running for 299 yards on 74 carries this season.
Southern Miss’ favorite receiving target this season has been Elijah Metcalf. The senior leads the team in receptions (40) and receiving yards (541). Tychaun Chapman, Micah Davis, and Carl Chester are also valuable options with over 300 yards each.
On the other side of the ball, the Golden Eagles are led by Michael Montgomery and Chris Jones. Montgomery has 96 total tackles this season while Jones has 106. They are the two leading tacklers in the Sun Belt Conference.
In the secondary, Josh Moten’s five interceptions this season has him tied for the nation’s lead. Safety Ian Foster has 62 total tackles on the season, which is good for third on the team. Foster has also added 3 interceptions.
South Alabama
South Alabama is coming off a big win against ULM. Although they are out of bowl contention, the Jaguars are looking to build momentum going into next season.
Bishop Davenport leads the Jaguars offense into the game. Davenport has thrown for 1,826 yards and 12 touchdowns. The redshirt junior is also dangerous with his legs, running for seven touchdowns so far this season.
Davenport is joined by running back Kentrel Bullock in the backfield. Bullock has rushed for 814 yards and 10 touchdowns through 10 games. Keenan Phillips has also rushed the ball 100 times for over 500 yards.
Devin Voisin has been Davenport’s favorite target through 10 games. Voisin has grabbed 53 passes for 688 yards. Jeremy Scott has been the big play threat with 324 yards on only 18 receptions.
The Jaguars are also led by a linebacking duo in Darius McKenzie and Blayne Myrick. McKenzie leads the team with 65 total tackles, while Myrick trails just behind with 64.
Freshman Nemiah Chandler is the only player with multiple interceptions, with 2. His most recent interception came against Arkansas State on Oct. 14. The Jaguars only have five interceptions as a team.
Southern Miss at South Alabama
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m. ET)
TV: ESPN+
Radio: WUSM-FM 88.5 (Southern Miss); Sports Talk 99.5 FM (South Alabama)
For more information on tickets, fans can click here. Fans can also contact the ticket office via email at tickets@southalabama.edu, or via phone at (251) 461-1USA.
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